EDWINA Currie proved to be a warm and witty host at Bowdon Festival’s Christmas Spectacular concert - which raised more than £500 for the Bowdon Youth Festival.

Tideswell Male Voice Choir and Milnrow Brass Band performed a wide range of pieces, with the audience providing an unforgettable rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas.

There were also two stunning solos by soprano Charlotte Hoather and a duet with Jayne Wilson, artistic director of Bowdon Festival.

Jayne previously taught Charlotte. Edwina Currie said: “It was a pleasure for all of us – and especially to hear Jayne Wilson’s magnificent duet with Charlotte, after all the praises we’ve heard sung about her. That can’t be a one-off, we have to hear that again”.

Bowdon Festival chairman Susan Sinagola said: “We were delighted to host such a successful concert, raising much needed funds for our Youth Festival at the end of January.”

* Anyone interested in finding out more about Bowdon Festival and Bowdon Youth Festival should visit bowdonfestival.co.uk